Friends in the right places part 2
Friends in the right places by Jimmy Connerly (Part 2 from MR X)
Scene Two – INT – NAG’S HEAD – IMMEDIATE
Del and Mike are still in discussion at the table. The conversation has continued from before. Del is shaking his head as if in disbelief.
Del: He’s not that powerful Mike, surely? Slater?Mike: I told you Del! This isn’t just about The Nag’s Head.
Del: Well where’s he got all his money? He only had a few diamonds, it’s hardly a fortune.
This time it’s Mike who shakes his head.
Mike: Look, I don’t know mate, I had to work with it for a fair while and I couldn’t fathom it out.
Something fishy was going on I even paid someone to find things out.
Del: What? You found out some stuff?
Mike: Yeah, I got a few things worked out but look where that got me. Inside!
Del: But the brewery for this place has chains everywhere. And how many other companies did you say he was involved in?
Mike: At least twenty that I found out about Del, could be more. And he owns over half the shares for all of them. He controls more boards than Garry Kasparov Del.
Del: Doesn’t make it checkmate though. Not in my book.
Mike: Nor mine del, why else do you think I’m here?
Del: You’re a good lad Mike. One of the troops you are.
Mike: (Nods) Yeah. I’m a bit battle-weary Del but I ain’t done yet.
Del: We’ll fight this Mike. Whatever he’s worth these days it’s still only Slater.
Mike: It won’t be easy Del.
Del: I reckon between us we can get the better of him. So he’s had a good run with his money! A multi-millionaire! Even just thinking about that! It’s laughable really!
Unbeknown to Del, Raquel has approach to tidy up Mike and Del’s table.
Raquel: OK you two? What’s laughable?
Del suddenly checks himself, remembering the past connection between Slater and Raquel.
Del: Oh, nothing. Mike and I were just discussing the Chairman of the brewery. Bit of a joker.
Raquel: Oh. Right.
Raquel changes the ashtrays and departs. As she goes Del breathes out sharply.
Del: Bloody hell Mike, that’s just one more thing I’d forgotten about.
Mike: What is?
Del: Eh? No, nothing. Sorry, what were you saying?
Mike: Look Del, I know it’s grim but I didn’t just come here to offer support and give you the sad tidings. As I’ve said, I’ve had some investigation and research done, there’s a few oddities.
Del: Yeah? Go on Mike.
Mike: Well, you remember the Black brothers I referred to.
Del: What? The guys that once said they’d play conkers with your, erm, well, play conkers with your conkers.
Mike: Yes, they even said they’d soak them in vinegar first!
Del: Could have been worse, they could have said they’d bake them!
Mike: (Laughs in spite of the situation) I’m just thankful they’re still intact!
Del: Go on then. .
Mike: Yes, apart from being heavies they were, you know, thick as…
Del: Your old hotpot?
Mike: (Smiles) No, as thick as what comes out the other end after you’ve eaten my hotpot.
Del: (Realises) Oh! That kind of thick.
Mike: You know what most heavies are like Del, these are no exception, ask them the time of day they’d be phoning a friend. This pair are vicious but they only act on Slater’s orders. I’m hardly a threat to anyone Del, and intimidated though I was, it wasn’t that hard for me to wonder just what it was that Slater was hiding.
Del: Did you find out?
Mike: No, that’s the trouble. The more I found out, the more the Blacks got into me. Then, when I got this far into the case I found myself up in front of the court myself.
Del: Fitted up by the Blacks?
Mike: Not by them mate, this was far too intelligent and thorough. Like I said, it ain’t just Slater’s money, it’s his influence.
Del: Sadly, that’s one of the things money can buy. But hey, you must have found out quite a bit for them to go to that much trouble, eh?
Mike: Oh, you bet your life Del! It’s all written down.
Del: Great! Where is it.
Mike: It’s in the cellar, Sid hid it behind the kegs among the paperwork.
Del: Behind the kegs among the paperwork? Oh my gawd!
